Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 11,794 acres of land, 529 acres of lakes and impoundments and 17 miles of free flowing river.

The area was established in 1956 when three reservoirs in the Pigeon River Valley were given to the state. These included Mongo, Nasby and Ontario. Since then the state has acquired additional land along the river valley.

Deer tree stands and ground blinds may be used and left unattended from noon, Sept. 15 through Jan. 10. Tree stands and ground blinds must be legibly marked in English with either the owner's DNR customer identification number or the owner’s name, address and telephone number. A fastener used in conjunction with a tree stand and a tree or pole climber that penetrates a tree more than ½ inch is prohibited (anything that penetrates a tree more than a ½ inch is prohibited, i.e. screw-in steps and screw-in bow and gun hangers).

Area D is designated for dog training.

The trapping drawing is held annually at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of October.

Hunting areas accessible to persons with disabilities are available. Ask for details at office.

Youth hunting/shooting events are available. Ask at office.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Registration at the office is not required for scouting, fishing, hiking, mushroom hunting or wildlife watching.

Camping

None available.

Target Ranges

No fee.

A rifle and archery range is located near the property headquarters.

Target ranges are open to the public on a first come first serve basis. All shooters must obey range rules and regulations.

Seasonal nuts, mushrooms and berries may be gathered from the property. During spring turkey season mushroom hunting is allowed only after 1 p.m. daily.

RULES

NO Swimming Allowed.

Please Read and Obey All Signs.

In addition to state fish and wildlife laws, this property is governed by posted regulations affecting the public use of lands and facilities owned, leased or licensed by the Department of Natural Resources.

Safety zones, refuges, waterfowl resting and other restricted areas are marked with appropriate signs. PLEASE READ AND OBEY ALL SIGNS.

Violation of any law, rule or regulation governing this property may be cause for forfeiting your hunting, fishing, or visiting privileges on this area.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, will not be held responsible for any accidents or deaths occurring from the use of these facilities.

In addition to a hunting and/or fishing license the following permits are required:

Permission to hunt during the day must be obtained before entering the field. Hunting badges or one-day hunting permit cards must be in the possession of the hunter at all times. Bagged game must be checked through the check-in station or recorded through established self-service procedures outlined at the check-in station. Self-service drop boxes are located throughout the property for your convenience. No shooting of woodchuck (groundhogs) is allowed.

Night and predator hunting is only permitted by special permit cards from the property manager.

A permit from the property manager is required to enter the waterfowl resting areas.

Dog training is available in Area D only. Sign up and obtain permit at the office in Mongo.

Collecting permits are required from the property manager or DNR except for nuts, berries and mushrooms.

Traffic on public roads through the area is governed by state and county laws. Traffic over service roads and trails, except by authorized vehicles, is restricted to walking. Park in designated lots only.